Modern heating and cooling systems help keep nearly 100 million homes in America comfortable. This is why July is officially Air Conditioning Appreciation Month. In honor of the special observance, the heating and cooling experts at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating in Wisconsin share a few little-known fun facts about air conditioning.

5 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Air Conditioning

1. The First Air-Conditioned Home Was in 1913

Charles "Spend-a-Million" Gates, the heir to a barbed-wire fortune, built the first completely air-conditioned home in 1913 in Minneapolis. The house was so large, it took up three lots.

2. Escaping the Heat at the Movie Theater Is a Tradition

Early theater owners realized as far back as 1917 that many people would fill auditoriums to escape the heat if theaters were air-conditioned. Theater advertisements often featured letters dripping with icicles to encourage the trend, which continues for many today. 

3. Cooling Systems Have Dramatically Dropped in Price

A single window air conditioning unit in the 1940s would cost almost $3,500 in today’s dollars. Thankfully, modern HVAC systems heat and cool entire homes, and some can be purchased for less than that amount.

4. Modern HVAC Units Offer Many Benefits

Did you know humidity interferes with your body’s ability to cool itself naturally? This is why today’s heating and cooling systems feature integrated dehumidifiers. Modern systems are also energy efficient, which helps keep utility costs down. Routinely servicing HVAC units keeps them efficient. Digital thermostats also allow users to set the most comfortable temperatures. 

5. Air Conditioning Improves Indoor Air Quality

Well-maintained systems can reduce indoor allergens, odors, and pollutants. Many HVAC systems contain HEPA filters that help purify indoor air, and routine inspections by a technician make sure heating and cooling units are clean and functioning properly.

The heating and cooling technicians at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating can install, service, and repair air conditioning systems for residents in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, or Wausau. To learn more about the services available, call (715) 421-1800 or visit the website.